“Anytime we have needed Brian to step into a crew chief role and lead our team, he has risen to the challenge,” co-owner Tad Geschickter said in a statement. “He has done a solid job for us and we’re pleased he accepted the position to guide our team in 2013.”

JTG Daugherty Racing hired Bobby Hutchens last year to replace Berrier as general manager, and now Burns will stay in his role as he calls the shots for 2000 Cup champion Labonte. Burns has worked for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Front Row Motorsports and Michael Waltrip Racing.

“I’m looking forward to this season and working with Bobby again,” Burns said. “The 2013 car may have leveled the playing field with all the changes and I feel like we will be able to turn some heads.

“We have some good things on the horizon and we are adding more engineering support. We are also staffing up to have extra support at the shop and track. Our team owners are providing us with the tools we need to get to the next level.”

Labonte finished 23rd in the standings last year with two top-10 and 14 top-20 finishes.